Special deliveries

That was a nice long blog hiatus, wasn’t it? It turned out to be a busier winter than I thought it would be, mostly because not too long after my last post, I got some exciting news: My husband and I are expecting a baby later this summer! So the time I might have spent posting I’ve mostly spent on morning sickness, sleeping, and doctor’s appointments. I’ve been meaning to get back on a posting schedule for a while now, and today something happened that made me stop dragging my feet:

This box arrived.

On the outside, it looks like any old cardboard box. On the inside, though, it holds the promise of the one thing that is almost as exciting to me as the impending birth of my firstborn child…

Sephora is coming to Alaska!

OK, so technically we’ve had a Sephora presence in the AK for a while. First there was the mysterious (and now long gone) Sephora vending machine, and then we got a Sephora inside our JC Penney. But as of next Friday, we will finally have our very own stand-alone Sephora store. Complete with more than 5,500 square feet of prestige cosmetics brands.

You may be thinking: What’s the big deal? Can’t you just order from Sephora? Isn’t the JC Penney location enough? Sure, I can order from Sephora online. Except that USPS shipping restrictions prevent them from sending certain things to Alaska. Like, oh, I don’t know… nail polish. And in-store events (makeover nights, VIB shopping previews, etc.) usually aren’t extended to JC Penney locations. And the JC Penney location (while perfectly nice) is small and has a limited selection compared to the store we’re about to get. But above all, the most fun thing about shopping Sephora is getting the chance to try everything before you buy — which you can only do in person!

Speaking of which:

The folks at Sephora were kind enough to send me some products to try from Josie Maran, Marchesa, Bite Beauty and the Sephora collection, and I’m looking forward to sharing some reviews over the next week (which will give me something to do while I’m eagerly awaiting opening day).

They also sent these:

Pardon the dog in the background.

Yes, those are adorable Sephora-in-Alaska-themed sugar cookies from Eleni’s. I’d say they’re too cute to eat, but… well, you read the part where I said I was pregnant.

Sephora opens in the Anchorage Fifth Avenue Mall next Friday, June 14. More information below… see you there next week!

ANCHORAGE JUST GOT MORE BEAUTIFUL

– SEPHORA Opens Its Doors On June 14th–

Calling all makeup mavens, fragrance fanatics, skincare enthusiasts and beauty addicts! SEPHORA is opening its doors at the Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall in Anchorage, AK on June 14th.

The new 5,553 square foot, free-standing SEPHORA store in Anchorage is a virtual paradise of endless beauty options with over 13,000 products from more than 200 brands, including SEPHORA’s own collection of makeup, skincare, tools and accessories.

oMakeup lines such as Benefit, Hourglass, Josie Maran, Kat Von D, MAKE UP FOR EVER and NARS

oSpecialty hair care lines like Bumble and bumble, Living proof, Ojon and Phyto

The SEPHORA retail concept is rooted in aesthetics, presenting our clients with the most unique product assortment, store design and client services. SEPHORA was the first beauty retailer to employ the unique open-sell philosophy, allowing clients to shop a myriad of brands and encouraging them to try, test and play with everything from lip glosses to blushes, skincare to fragrance. At SEPHORA, discover a world where prestige cosmetics are showcased in gorgeous open displays for clients to have the freedom to explore and sample at leisure.

Here’s what’s hip and happening at SEPHORA Anchorage:

• Must-Have of the Moment – Just in time for summer, Sephora proudly unveils the seventh edition of its perennial summer must-have, the Sun Safety Kit. Featuring a collection of SPF must-haves and sunless tanning favorites, $20 of the $30 purchase price will benefit The Skin Cancer Foundation. While skin cancer is the most common type of cancer found in the United States, it is also one of the most preventable. Help others become aware of this growing presence of skin cancer while defending yourself against the sun’s harmful rays.• Transform your look in minutes. Come to SEPHORA Anchorage for a complimentary Express Service at the SEPHORA Beauty Studio, the place for one-on-one beauty sessions with our experts. Services offered include: Blush & Bronze, Flawless Foundation, Treat & Conceal, Beautiful Skin, Smoky Eye, Faux Lashes, Perfect Lips, Everyday Eye and Essential Eyeliner. With a Customized Makeup Application, get the look you want, for every day or a special event, custom-created in a private 60-minute makeup session with an expert artist. Plus, get tips and techniques to recreate it on your own. Minimum $50 purchase required.• Get privileged! Get rewarded! Get personal! Join Beauty Insider today to get behind the beauty velvet rope access to Insider-only products, exclusive samples, birthday gifts and an all-access pass to personalized beauty. Already a member? Update your SEPHORA status and become part of the premium rewards program,Very Important Beauty Insider (VIB). Not only will you receive all the fabulous BI perks, VIB status will also grant you additional benefits, from large in-store and online discounts to free VIB-only beauty bonuses and an invite to a private Holiday Shopping Party.• It’s a birthday celebration for you and SEPHORA Anchorage! It may be SEPHORA’s birthday in Anchorage, but the celebration doesn’t stop at the store opening. As a Beauty Insider or VIB, you’re also eligible to receive a special gift – Benefit Real Birthday Turn-Ons! Check your e-mail, mail or simply come back toSEPHORA Anchorage or any other SEPHORA location, within a few weeks of your birthday to pick up the special gift SEPHORA has waiting for you!